Image of career: Research Assistant (FinTech)

Research Assistant (FinTech)

Overview

Research assistants manage, conduct, and assist in studies for clients on various industry, identifying key trends or meaningful solutions to industry problems.

Description

  • Pinpoint issues or operational inefficiencies within the fintech sector.
  • Explore current technological advancements, crafting innovative solutions for industry challenges.
  • Gather and scrutinise data pertinent to project research focus or logistical aspects for comprehensive analysis.
  • Create and propose impactful solutions to identified problems.
  • Facilitate collaboration between clients and in-house teams to ensure project execution and alignment.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need a Degree in Computer Science or a related field as a minimum requirement to get started.
  • Having a good background in deep learning, transfer learning, and reinforcement learning, with knowledge of common deep learning models like Artificial Neural Networks and Convolutional Neural Networks is highly valued.

Salary

$2,800 – 5,600

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Good software skills, presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills are important. Research is usually done in teams and, a good rapport with your teammates tends to produce better results.

What to expect

Be mentally prepared for ongoing research projects to change due to new developments in the industry. Flexibility is important in this fast-moving field.

Soft
skills

Interpersonal Skills

Able to work well with research teams and stakeholders.

Critical Thinking

Able to analyse data, question assumptions, and solve complex research problems systematically.

Time Management

Able to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple research projects at the same time.

Programming Proficiency

Familiar with using Python, C++ and Java.

Machine Learning Frameworks

Trained to implement and test advanced computational models using TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras and Scikit-learn.

Report Writing and Presentation Skills

Able to share research findings clearly and well to all audiences.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

Research assistants still contribute to a project's research aims in meaningful ways. They may also pick up many skills and methodologies that will help them later as a researcher.

Every sector within the fintech industry has research and development projects. They may be involved in research projects that range from trends in the banking industry to the uses of crypto blockchains in banking services.

Publishing is the way that professionals either thrive or decline in their work. Research assistants' work should be published in journals to make their mark professionally in the industry, paving the way for them to pursue their research in-depth or create connections with other academics.

It's normal for research to end up failing. However, research assistants should not get too affected by it and should instead start working on another project if they know their project cannot succeed.

Challenges may include navigating complex regulatory environments, staying up-to-date on rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring the accuracy and relevance of research findings in a dynamic industry landscape.